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Careful How You Build

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

Jesus asks a good question and then goes on to tell them that whoever hears His words and puts them into practice is like a person who builds their house on a solid foundation. And whoever fails to do this is like someone who builds their house without a foundation. When the storms come, that second house will collapse and be destroyed.

Years ago, I was backpacking with my scout unit. It was my first trip and the scoutmaster was watching out for me. That night, I shared a tent with him and we placed our tent on a firm, level spot. My brother, cousin and two friends wanted to tie their tents together. They found the largest clear place to accomplish their goal, but the scoutmaster suggested it would not be wise. The area was a dry wash and if it rained they could get wet. They felt they knew better.

That night it rained hard. I slept like a baby, safe in the tent with the scoutmaster. I did hear their yelling as the water rushed through their tents and knocked them over!!

I pray that Jesus’ question will be fixed in our minds. How we build our lives goes far beyond getting wet. How we build determines whether our lives are destroyed or not. May we be as James says, “doers of the Word and not just hearers.”

 Prayer Focus: Lord, I desire to be a wise builder. Help me to put into practice everything You teach me today.

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